John f. Kennedy

The Election of 1960 The 1960 election began the era of TV politics. John F. Kennedy- Catholic- wealthy family- Democrat Richard M. Nixon- Quaker- poor family- Republican Campaign focused on the economy and the Cold War The televised debates had a strong influence on the outcome. Kennedy was charismatic, young, and optimistic Nixon looked sick

The New Frontier The New Frontier was Kennedy’s legislative agenda. Increase aid to education, provide health insurance to the elderly, create a Dept. of Urban Affairs, and help migrant workers Congress defeated many of his proposals. He did convince Congress to invest in defense and space exploration to create more jobs and spur economic growth Boosted economy through increased business production Women’s movement: He created a Presidential Commission on the Status of Women Federal action against gender discrimination Equal pay

Global Challenges Kennedy supported a “flexible response” when it came to the Cold War He asked for a buildup of troops and weapons Supported the Special Forces (guerrilla warfare) Alliance for Progress Over 10 years, $20 billion was promised to aid Latin America Peace Corps Created to help less developing nations fight poverty Space Race Kennedy encouraged Congress to do whatever was necessary for the Americans to reach the moon first

Global Challenges Fidel Castro (Cuba) formed an alliance with the Soviets Eisenhower secretly trained Cuban exiles (La Brigada) Kennedy wanted to use them to invade Cuba They invaded the Bay of Pigs Kennedy called off the air support (US not to blame) Most were killed or captured After meeting with Khrushchev, Kennedy refused to recognize East Germany or pull out of Berlin Soviets built a wall separating East and West Berlin (The Berlin Wall)

Global Challenges The Cuban Missile Crisis Summer 1962- Intelligence and photographs showed that the Soviets had placed long-range missiles in Cuba Nuclear holocaust was feared Kennedy agreed not to invade Cuba and removed missiles in Turkey Khrushchev removed the missiles The Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war Treaty banned the testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere Led to the demise of Khrushchev New leadership did not like negotiating with the West Result- Soviet arms buildup.

Death of a President November 22, 1963- Kennedy was shot twice while riding in a presidential motorcade Dallas, TX Lee Harvey Oswald- a Marxist- was accused Jack Ruby killed Oswald 2 days later There is still much controversy over Kennedy’s death The country was heart-broken over his death Lyndon B. Johnson became President Continued many of Kennedy’s reforms